Welcome to the Brooklyn Post-Partum Depression Support Group site. We are very glad you found us. If you or a mom you care about is suffering from PMADs (perinatal mood/anxiety disorders), while pregnant or post-partum, we are here to offer information, education, resources, group support and individual therapy. These services are offered and provided by Melissa Paschke, LCSW.

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Brooklyn PPD Support was started in 2006 by Molly Peryer and Chris Lindsay-Abaire, two moms of young boys who each struggled with Post-Partum Depression and Anxiety. With specialized treatment and support, they both made full recoveries.

PMADs have the following symptoms: insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness/hypervigilance, frightening and/or suicidal thoughts, escape fantasies, feelings of worthlessness, anger, guilt, sadness/crying, grief, hopelessness, agitation, inability to concentrate, joylessness, sleeplessness/restlessness, appetite changes. You may experience one or some of these symptoms over a period of time.

In Spring of 2014, Brooklyn PPD Support was joined by Melissa Paschke, LCSW. Her intention was to bring a new voice, experience and professional model to the peer support group. Melissa is an LCSW who has been practicing medical social work since 1994. She is also a mother of two boys and a certified yoga teacher. Melissa offers individual, partner and group therapy, crisis intervention, family support, health and wellness counseling, and yoga for the pre-natal and postpartum woman. She is a graduate of Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work and holds advanced clinical training certificates from the NYU Silver School of Social Work and Seleni Institute.

Please contact Melissa for information about group participation or individual therapy.

If you are a pregnant or post-partum woman experiencing Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and/or other mood challenges, you are welcome to join this group. It is advised that you also reach out to your medical provider to be assessed for any psychopharmacological needs. Group can also be used as a complement to any private psychotherapy you may be receiving, or you may inquire about private therapy with Melissa Paschke, LCSW, in addition to Brooklyn PPD Support Groups.

Brooklyn PPD Support is currently offering groups in Manhattan and Brooklyn. There is a suggested fee of $35 to attend. It is the primary intention of Brooklyn PPD Support to remove as many barriers to participation as possible, so if fees are preventing you from attending, please reach out to Melissa. You are encouraged to attend as many meetings as you wish. This is a closed group; Only women experiencing symptoms of PMADs will be allowed to participate. Graduate students, researchers and well-meaning partners may not sit in on meetings.

Emotional support from empathic listeners is one key part of expediting a woman's recovery from PMADs. This offering is a safe, confidential, nonjudgmental environment where women can share their experiences. Women in all stages of stress, illness and recovery are welcome. If you aren't sure or formally diagnosed with a PMAD, you are welcome. You are also welcome if your child is older, but you relate to the stressors described. We are women helping women to share, witness and support each others' experiences. This is a professionally facilitated group led by a licensed clinical social worker who will also offer appropriate referrals for any additional treatment or supportive services that may be needed.